C’mon, Baby Light my Fire:

A Project on Sustainable Fuels

C’mon, Baby Light my Fire:

A Project on Sustainable Fuels

By: Lauren I., Laura T., Raphael R., and Anna

M.

By: Lauren I., Laura T., Raphael R., and Anna

M.

What Are Sustainable Fuels?

What Are Sustainable Fuels?

Sustainable Fuels are renewable sources of energy that have been developed by scientists to power modern day transportation. There are three types of marketable fuels that we will discuss in our presentation: Biodiesel, Ethanol, and Hydrogen. Our presentation will also feature an interview with Dr. Jack Belli, a leader in the field of sustainable energy for Hawaii. Sustainable fuels are very important to our environment, especially here in Hawaii, our reliance on fossil fuels have damaged our ozone layer and polluted our atmosphere. More over, these fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, will soon run out, leaving us in an energy crisis. Our goal is to study these new renewable fuel sources to get a better idea what the energy of the future will be.

Sustainable Fuels are renewable sources of energy that have been developed by scientists to power modern day transportation. There are three types of marketable fuels that we will discuss in our presentation: Biodiesel, Ethanol, and Hydrogen. Our presentation will also feature an interview with Dr. Jack Belli, a leader in the field of sustainable energy for Hawaii. Sustainable fuels are very important to our environment, especially here in Hawaii, our reliance on fossil fuels have damaged our ozone layer and polluted our atmosphere. More over, these fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, will soon run out, leaving us in an energy crisis. Our goal is to study these new renewable fuel sources to get a better idea what the energy of the future will be.

What is Biodiesel?What is Biodiesel?

• A renewable fuel made from reacting vegetable/animal oil, fat or grease with alcohol– Reaction removes glycerin, which is bad for your engine, and can be made into soap

• Can be used in conventional compression-ignition engines, which are the same as the ones used with regular diesel fuel

• Has a higher flash point then regular diesel fuel– Technically non-flammable

• Is biodegradable

• A renewable fuel made from reacting vegetable/animal oil, fat or grease with alcohol– Reaction removes glycerin, which is bad for your engine, and can be made into soap

• Can be used in conventional compression-ignition engines, which are the same as the ones used with regular diesel fuel

• Has a higher flash point then regular diesel fuel– Technically non-flammable

• Is biodegradable

Why use Biodiesel?Why use Biodiesel?

• Even a little significantly reduces emissions the contribute to global warming

• Used fryer oil can be used to make biodiesel which reduces oil thrown out

• Has no eye-irritation and smells better (like french fries)

• Less harsh on marine environment; easier for boaters to transport and store

• Even a little significantly reduces emissions the contribute to global warming

• Used fryer oil can be used to make biodiesel which reduces oil thrown out

• Has no eye-irritation and smells better (like french fries)

• Less harsh on marine environment; easier for boaters to transport and store

On the following slide, journeytoforever.org has provided a quick and easy recipe for making your very own Biodiesel fuel.

Recipe: What you’ll need

Recipe: What you’ll need• Here's what you need:

• ･ 1 liter of new vegetable oil, whatever the supermarket sells as cooking oil

• ･ 200 ml of methanol, 99+% pure• ･ lye catalyst

– either potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH)• ･ blender or mini-processor ･ scales accurate to 0.1 grams,

preferably less– 0.01 grams is best

• ･ measuring beakers for methanol and oil• ･ half-liter translucent white HDPE (#2 plastic) container with

bung and screw-on cap• ･ 2 funnels to fit the HDPE container• ･ 2-liter PET bottle (water or soft-drinks bottle) for settling• ･ two 2-liter PET bottles for washing• ･ duct tape• ･ thermometer

• Here's what you need:• ･ 1 liter of new vegetable oil, whatever the supermarket sells as

cooking oil• ･ 200 ml of methanol, 99+% pure• ･ lye catalyst

– either potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH)• ･ blender or mini-processor ･ scales accurate to 0.1 grams,

preferably less– 0.01 grams is best

• ･ measuring beakers for methanol and oil• ･ half-liter translucent white HDPE (#2 plastic) container with

bung and screw-on cap• ･ 2 funnels to fit the HDPE container• ･ 2-liter PET bottle (water or soft-drinks bottle) for settling• ･ two 2-liter PET bottles for washing• ･ duct tape• ･ thermometer

ProcedureProcedure You may want to use a cheap blender because it may not last very long, but it will work until you get something better. Make sure that it is completely dry and all of it’s parts are tightly fitted before using.Pre-heat the oil to 55 deg C and pour it into the blender. With the blender still switched off, carefully pour the prepared methoxide from the HDPE container into the oil. Secure the blender lid tightly and switch on. Lower speeds should be enough. Blend for at least 20 minutes. As soon as the process is completed, pour the mixture from the blender into the 2-litre PET bottle for settling and screw on the lid tightly. (As the mixture cools it will contract and you might have to let some more air into the bottle later.) A dark glycerin by-product will collect in a distinct layer at the bottom of the bottle, with a clear line of separation from the pale liquid above, which is the biodiesel. The biodiesel varies somewhat in color according to the oil used (and so does the by-product layer at the bottom) but usually it's pale and yellowish (used-oil biodiesel can be darker and more amber). The biodiesel might be clear or it might still be cloudy, which is not a problem. It will clear eventually but there's no need to wait.

Procedure con’t.Procedure con’t.

Carefully pour out the top layer of biodiesel into a clean jar or PET bottle, taking care not to get any of the glycerin layer mixed up with the biodiesel. If you do, re-settle and try again.

To wash the biodiesel, pour the biodiesel into one of the wash bottles. Add the half-liter of fresh water. Use a paint stirrer and stir until oil and water are well mixed and appear homogenous. Settle for two hours or more repeat until finished.

When it's clear (not colorless but translucent) it's dry and ready to use. It might clear quickly, or it might take a few days or up to a week. If you're in a hurry, heat it gently to 48 deg C and allow to cool.

Carefully pour out the top layer of biodiesel into a clean jar or PET bottle, taking care not to get any of the glycerin layer mixed up with the biodiesel. If you do, re-settle and try again.

To wash the biodiesel, pour the biodiesel into one of the wash bottles. Add the half-liter of fresh water. Use a paint stirrer and stir until oil and water are well mixed and appear homogenous. Settle for two hours or more repeat until finished.

When it's clear (not colorless but translucent) it's dry and ready to use. It might clear quickly, or it might take a few days or up to a week. If you're in a hurry, heat it gently to 48 deg C and allow to cool.

Ethanol Fuel BackgroundEthanol Fuel Background• -alternative to gasoline• High octane fuel• -production depends crops

(sugarcane, corn, wheat, etc)• -Brazil is the only country where

ethanol fuel is a substitute for gasoline

• Ethanol is rapidly biodegraded in surface water, groundwater, and soil

• 113 octane rating, ethanol is the highest performance fuel on the market and keeps today's high-compression engines running smoothly

• -2005 study: takes 0.74 million BTU of fossil fuels to deliver 1 million BTU of ethanol,takes 1.23 million BTU of fossil fuels to deliver 1 million BTU of gasoline

• *BTU: heat measurement

• -alternative to gasoline• High octane fuel• -production depends crops

(sugarcane, corn, wheat, etc)• -Brazil is the only country where

ethanol fuel is a substitute for gasoline

• Ethanol is rapidly biodegraded in surface water, groundwater, and soil

• 113 octane rating, ethanol is the highest performance fuel on the market and keeps today's high-compression engines running smoothly

• -2005 study: takes 0.74 million BTU of fossil fuels to deliver 1 million BTU of ethanol,takes 1.23 million BTU of fossil fuels to deliver 1 million BTU of gasoline

• *BTU: heat measurement

In the US…In the US…• -90% of ethanol produced in US

comes from corn• -US, Europe, & Asia consume so

much natural gas, they become dependant on foreign suppliers

• 2006, ethanol use in the US reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 8 million tons

• Ethanol-blended fuels keeps fuel system clean (no gummy deposits), resulting in all gasolines sold in US include detergents designed to have the same ability

• 30% of all gasoline is US is blended with ethanol

• -90% of ethanol produced in US comes from corn

• -US, Europe, & Asia consume so much natural gas, they become dependant on foreign suppliers

• 2006, ethanol use in the US reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 8 million tons

• Ethanol-blended fuels keeps fuel system clean (no gummy deposits), resulting in all gasolines sold in US include detergents designed to have the same ability

• 30% of all gasoline is US is blended with ethanol

The DebateThe DebateBad:-ethanol fuel results in 34% reduction in

miles per gallon (less mileage)-high demand for gas, difficult to grow so

much cornGood:-emits same amount of carbon dioxide

but less carbon monoxide than gasoline

-potentially could be grown in the US instead of relying on foreign countries

-use of ethanol blends reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 18-29% (Argonne National Laboratory)

-reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide emission by 30%

Bad:-ethanol fuel results in 34% reduction in

miles per gallon (less mileage)-high demand for gas, difficult to grow so

much cornGood:-emits same amount of carbon dioxide

but less carbon monoxide than gasoline

-potentially could be grown in the US instead of relying on foreign countries

-use of ethanol blends reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 18-29% (Argonne National Laboratory)

-reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide emission by 30%

Hydrogen Fuel CellHydrogen Fuel CellHow it works

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Benefits DrawbacksBenefits Drawbacks

• low to zero emissions of

greenhouse gasses and other

• emits water vapor as exhaust

• noise reduction• less dependence on

foreign oil• high tank to wheel

efficiency

• low to zero emissions of

greenhouse gasses and other

• emits water vapor as exhaust

• noise reduction• less dependence on

foreign oil• high tank to wheel

efficiency

• cost of car itself• cost of hydrogen• durability

• continuous vibrations and bumps• cold conditions

• onboard storage of hydrogen

• tank occupies a lot of space• keeping the hydrogen in the tank

• building hydrogen fueling infrastructure

Hydrogen in an Internal Combustion Engine

Hydrogen in an Internal Combustion Engine

• Able to use a slightly modified version of today's combustion

Engine• Cleaner burning than fossil fuels• 99% of emissions reductions that fuel cells boast• Hydrogen storage• Intake backfire

• Able to use a slightly modified version of today's combustion

Engine• Cleaner burning than fossil fuels• 99% of emissions reductions that fuel cells boast• Hydrogen storage• Intake backfire

Interview with Dr. BelliInterview with Dr. Belli

Dr. Jack Belli is a Punahou math teacher and has a P.H.d in Chemistry. He is researching Hydrogen storage containers at the University of Hawaii and has kindly agreed to be interviewed for our project.

Dr. Jack Belli is a Punahou math teacher and has a P.H.d in Chemistry. He is researching Hydrogen storage containers at the University of Hawaii and has kindly agreed to be interviewed for our project.

1. What is your field of study?

Dr. Belli works to find a economical and safe way to store hydrogen fuel for transportation and use. Hydrogen can’t be stored effectively as a gas or a liquid; its expensive and uses a lot of energy to maintain. He and his colleagues work with hydrogen fuel cells, one of the more effective ways of hydrogen storage.

1. What is your field of study?

Dr. Belli works to find a economical and safe way to store hydrogen fuel for transportation and use. Hydrogen can’t be stored effectively as a gas or a liquid; its expensive and uses a lot of energy to maintain. He and his colleagues work with hydrogen fuel cells, one of the more effective ways of hydrogen storage.

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2. What are Hydrogen Fuel Cells?This picture from http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

feg/fc_pics/fuel_cell_still.gif can explain it better than I can.

3. How long has there been work with sustainable fuels in Hawaii?

Dr. Belli began working on this project in 1991. His advisor is Dr. Craig Jensen, and He’s worked with numerous people over

these 16 years. 4. How are Hydrogen Fuel

Cells tested?The testing of hydrogen fuel was one of the major problems faced in this study. Ten years ago, when Dr; Belli and his colleagues were ready to test their hydrogen fuel, they found there was no safe way to go about it. Before the fuel could be tested, machinery had to be developed by engineers.

3. How long has there been work with sustainable fuels in Hawaii?

Dr. Belli began working on this project in 1991. His advisor is Dr. Craig Jensen, and He’s worked with numerous people over

these 16 years. 4. How are Hydrogen Fuel

Cells tested?The testing of hydrogen fuel was one of the major problems faced in this study. Ten years ago, when Dr; Belli and his colleagues were ready to test their hydrogen fuel, they found there was no safe way to go about it. Before the fuel could be tested, machinery had to be developed by engineers.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

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5. What makes them sustainable?Hydrogen fuel is sustainable because it is not just burned off; say through the engine of the car. The fuel does not just become waste, it becomes a profitable product. In hydrogen’s case, it becomes water.

5. What makes them sustainable?Hydrogen fuel is sustainable because it is not just burned off; say through the engine of the car. The fuel does not just become waste, it becomes a profitable product. In hydrogen’s case, it becomes water.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

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6. How did you first get into this field? What interested you?

Dr. Belli has been interested in finding sustainable solution for fuel since the first oil crisis, in the 1970’s, while he was in middle school. By marrying his concern for the oil crisis and his love for organic chemistry with transition metals, he found a great way to help the energy problem.

7. Do you work with other sustainable fuels or just with Hydrogen?

Although Dr. Belli works primarily with hydrogen fuel, there are other possible fuels in the works. Closely related to hydrogen storage is the activation of methane to methanol. If it can be converted, presently wasted methane can be used as a sustainable fuel and transported easily. Also, the byproducts of the once wasted methane gas can be used for economically valuable things such as medicines etc.

7. Do you work with other sustainable fuels or just with Hydrogen?

Although Dr. Belli works primarily with hydrogen fuel, there are other possible fuels in the works. Closely related to hydrogen storage is the activation of methane to methanol. If it can be converted, presently wasted methane can be used as a sustainable fuel and transported easily. Also, the byproducts of the once wasted methane gas can be used for economically valuable things such as medicines etc.

8. What is Methane?Methane is an Alkane, a

hydrocarbon that is completely saturated with single bonds and is highly unreactive. Methane is the simplest alkane, while saturated oils and waxes are comprised of more carbon molecules. In order to use an alkane as a fuel, a function group must be added to change them into other organic molecules. The difficulties in storing converted alkanes and hydrogen are closely related, so Dr. Belli and his colleagues are looking in to the possibility of this alternative fuel source.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

9. Why do you think it's important to be sustainable/use sustainable fuels?

Dr. Belli believe sustainability shouldn’t be our overriding concern. Instead of focusing on who gets what, and what is running out, we should use the resources we have to move into the future with technological advantages. Dr. Belli believes in using what we need because as long as we are have ingenuity and abort our waste, in 50 years the resources we have exhausted will have become obsolete.

What we have learned.What we have learned.

We learned a number of facts from this project. We learned about three different types of fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel. Our group hoped to inform our classmates of what kind of options we have and what sustains our basic transportation. We, indeed, are living in a world of pollution and global warming, however, we have the opportunity to alter that by using modern technology to provide an equally efficient type of gasoline to further help our environment. Hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel are three basic branches in which can be used as an alternate to gasoline. We have learned the concept of each fuel.

We learned a number of facts from this project. We learned about three different types of fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel. Our group hoped to inform our classmates of what kind of options we have and what sustains our basic transportation. We, indeed, are living in a world of pollution and global warming, however, we have the opportunity to alter that by using modern technology to provide an equally efficient type of gasoline to further help our environment. Hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel are three basic branches in which can be used as an alternate to gasoline. We have learned the concept of each fuel.

BibliographyBibliography

• <http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_PEM.shtml>.• <http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_PEM.shtml>.• Addison, Keith. "Make Your Own Biodiesel." Journey to Forever

Handmade Products. 2002. Journey to Forever. 13 Mar. 2007 <http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html#biodnew>.

• "Ethanol Facts." RFA. 30 Mar. 2007 <http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/facts/engine/>.

• "Ethanol Fuel." Wikipedia. 30 Mar. 2007. Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioethanol>.

• King, Aaron C. "Why Biodiesel?" Pacific Biodiesel. 1997. 15 Mar. 2007 <http://www.biodiesel.com/why_biodiesel.htm>.

• Tayman, John W. "BMW's Hydrogen 7: Future or Flop?" CNNMoney. 1 Mar. 2007. CNN.com. 14 Mar. 2007 <http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2007/03/01/8401015/index.htm>.

• <http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_PEM.shtml>.• <http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fcv_PEM.shtml>.• Addison, Keith. "Make Your Own Biodiesel." Journey to Forever

Handmade Products. 2002. Journey to Forever. 13 Mar. 2007 <http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html#biodnew>.

• "Ethanol Facts." RFA. 30 Mar. 2007 <http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/facts/engine/>.

• "Ethanol Fuel." Wikipedia. 30 Mar. 2007. Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioethanol>.

• King, Aaron C. "Why Biodiesel?" Pacific Biodiesel. 1997. 15 Mar. 2007 <http://www.biodiesel.com/why_biodiesel.htm>.

• Tayman, John W. "BMW's Hydrogen 7: Future or Flop?" CNNMoney. 1 Mar. 2007. CNN.com. 14 Mar. 2007 <http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2007/03/01/8401015/index.htm>.